National Cattlemen’s Beef Association lobbyist Collin Woodall says the smear campaign against lean finely textured beef has now become a jobs issue.

“This is an entirely new level as we talk about over 650 jobs around the country. More importantly these are jobs in rural America.”

According to Woodall, once the jobs are gone there are few employment opportunities for the displaced workers.

“Not only is this a hit on these individuals and their families, and their future livelihood, but it’s a hit on these small town economies,” he said.

The manufacturer has said ammonia hydroxide is used on the beef product to ward off bacteria. The government, product producer and beef industry have all said lean finely textured beef is 100 percent beef and 100 percent safe.

To show their support for the product Governor Perry, along with the governors of Iowa and Kansas, and the lieutenant governors of South Dakota and Nebraska, will tour Beef Products Inc.’s plant in Nebraska on Thursday.

The state leaders issued a joint statement Wednesday to “set the record straight” about the beef product.

The statement said, in part, “Our states proudly produce food for the country and the world – and we do so with the highest commitment toward product safety. Lean, finely textured beef is a safe, nutritious product that is backed by sound science.”

All of the governors had said they want to eat some of the meat while at the plant, to show that it is safe, but it’s unclear if that will happen.

Since the “pink slime” controversy exploded several grocers have stopped using the product.